By Michael Foli Jackidy
Ho (V/R), June 17, GNA – The Volta Regional Lands Commission has been inaugurated with a call from Mr. Augustus Awity, Chief Director of the Volta Regional Coordinating Council, for members to uphold professionalism and transparency.
They should also have a deep sense of public duty in the execution of their mandate.
Speaking at the inauguration ceremony held on Friday, June 13, 2025, in Ho, Mr. Awity emphasised the critical role of the Commission in regional development and community stability.
He advised: “You are being entrusted with decisions that directly impact people’s livelihoods, the stability of communities, and the broader development of the Volta Region
“Approach this mandate with integrity and a commitment to serve the public good.”
The seven-member Commission was inaugurated by Justice John Ekow Mensah, the Supervising High Court Judge for the Volta and Oti Regions, who charged the members to be guardians of the region’s land resources and to protect both public and government lands.
Mr. Awity stressed that the formation of the Regional Lands Commission is not only timely but essential for ensuring that land governance systems align with national policy objectives and meet the growing demand for transparency and fairness.
He outlined the Commission’s mandate as defined under the Lands Commission Act, 2008 (Act 767), which includes: Managing public lands; Advising the government on land policy; Facilitating the registration and issuance of land titles and deeds; Promoting sound land development and physical planning; And ensuring the integration of customary land rights into formal governance frameworks.
“Effective land administration is central to reducing land-related conflicts, promoting investments, and accelerating economic growth,” Mr. Awity added.
“This is a solemn responsibility, and I encourage you to collaborate with local authorities, traditional councils, and technical agencies to manage land resources in a way that benefits both current and future generations.”
He also acknowledged the essential role of traditional rulers in land stewardship and called for stronger collaboration between customary authorities and state institutions.
Mr. Divine Fiakpui-Dzahini, Chairman of the newly inaugurated Commission, speaking on behalf of the board, expressed gratitude to the Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources and the Volta Regional Minister for the trust reposed in them.
“This inauguration is a significant milestone in advancing President John Dramani Mahama’s reset agenda, particularly in strengthening public and private land administration in the Volta Region and across the country,” he stated.
Mr. Fiakpui-Dzahini affirmed the board’s firm commitment to transparency, accountability, and professionalism, noting that they are fully aware of the challenges ahead but ready to deliver results.
“We will ensure that land management supports agricultural growth, cultural heritage preservation, housing development, and overall infrastructure expansion in the region,” he said.
He outlined key priorities of the new board, including conducting a comprehensive land audit in the region; strengthening stakeholder engagement and collaboration, enhancing transparency through proactive information sharing and streamlining administrative processes to achieve 30-day land document registration.
Others are reforming the land tender system to eliminate disputes; Supporting the government’s 24-Hour Economy policy through efficient land management, prioritising public interest over personal gains and decentralising land registration processes to speed up service delivery.
“We are united and committed to ensuring that the trust placed in us by the President and the Minister is not misplaced. We will work diligently with the national Lands Commission to address land-related challenges in the Volta Region,” he concluded.
The Commission is composed of experienced professionals from various sectors:
Mr. Divine Fiakpui-Dzahini as the Chairman, Mr. Mark Enamevo Gudu – Secretary; Ms. Helen Adjavon – Representative Ghana National Association of Farmers and Fishermen; Mr. Shadrack Yao Deafeamekpor – Representative, Ghana Institution of Surveyors; Mr. Emmanuel Osae – Representative, Regional House of Chiefs, Mr. Emile Atsu Agbakpe, – Representative, Ghana Bar Association and Mr. Benjamin Mensah – Representative, Land Use and Spatial Planning Authority.
The inauguration was attended by stakeholders from the Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources, traditional authorities, civil society organizations, and members of the media.
GNA
Edited by: Maxwell Awumah/Benjamin Menah